Iowa Work Injuries- A Story About Jim's Struggle with an Insurance Company

A client of my named Jim, was a hard working truck driver
and father of two children. While he was driving his
employer's tractor-trailer, he was involved in an accident
causing him to sustain two broken bones in his back. He
was immediately transported to the nearest trauma center
where he spent the next several days. Doctors told Jim
that he was lucky that he was not paralyzed and a few days
later he was released from the hospital and told to
follow-up with his family doctor. Jim notified his
employer of the accident and the insurance company called
him to take a statement. Jim told the insurance adjustor
exactly what happened and a few days later he received a
letter stating that they were denying his claim and not
paying his lost wages or medical expenses. Jim was
desperate when he came to my office as he was not receiving
any income. I did some checking up and I obtained the
accident report, hired a private investigator and contacted
the insurance company about their previous decision.

Thankfully for Jim, he found my webpage on the internet and
requested my Iowa Workers' Compensation book. I sent him
my work injury book along with an audio CD discussing work
injuries and an interview discussing Iowa's workers'
compensation system. Jim lived in Texas, but drove for an
Iowa trucking company. I explained to Jim that the
contract he signed with his employer provided that he would
receive Iowa workers' compensation benefits. This was
actually good for Jim because Iowa has one of the best
systems in the country. I had a phone conference with him
on the phone and agreed to take his case.

We were able to complete the necessary documents through
mail for him to sign and he did not have to come back to
Iowa. Once I intervened in the case, the insurance company
decided that Jim's claim was legitimate and began paying
him for his lost wages. After missing several months of
work, Jim made a satisfactory recovery. However, he was
not able to go back to driving a truck which is all he had
ever done. While the case was pending he applied for and
qualified for Social Security disability benefits. We were
set to have a trial in this case, but one week prior to
trial I was able to obtain a "just" settlement for Jim so
he can move on with his life.

People hurt at work often do not know what their basic
rights are. If you have an Iowa Workers' compensation
claim, then you should have the basic information about
your rights under Iowa's workers' compensation laws,
including what benefits you should receive, how your weekly
check is calculated and much more.

This article contains general statements, is not intended
as legal advice or legal opinions and does not create an
attorney-client relationship. Do not act or rely upon the
information in this article without seeking the advice of
an attorney because changes in the law occur frequently and
you should consult with an attorney with respect to your
particular case.


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I offer a FREE Book entitled "Iowa Workers' Compensation-
An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries". Why offer a Free
Book? Over the past 10 years I have represented hundreds
of Iowans hurt at work and seen too many clients make
mistakes before they had the "right" information costing
them thousands of dollars. Quantities are limited so go to
http://www.IowaWorkInjury.com .